School takes proactive stance 'to protect the cheerleaders' after incident at Orlando Magic game

The University of Florida has grounded its cheerleaders. (File Photo: John P. Wise/WPBF)

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The University of Florida has grounded its cheerleaders. (File Photo: John P. Wise/WPBF)

The University of Florida's cheerleaders have been grounded.

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Florida officials told cheerleaders Nov. 16 they could no longer perform acrobatic stunts and tumble during games. The decision came days after an Orlando Magic cheerleader was injured during a performance at a basketball game.

University officials said they took a proactive stance "to protect the cheerleaders" instead of waiting for a tragedy to occur.

Cheerleaders disappointed that they couldn't tumble at their last home game of the season took their protest to social media, tweeting under the hashtag #Unground UFCheer.

Athletic association spokesman Steve McClain said the danger associated with acrobatic stunts is "simply not worth the risk to the cheerleaders or to the University of Florida."